10 Smart Tips for Getting the Interview

It's no secret our economy is in a major slump and hiring companies are scarce. Getting the attention of the hiring manager and getting that all important interview is more important now than ever.

Here are some smart tips for getting your foot in the door:

1. Apply for jobs you are qualified to do!
This may seem like a no brainer, but in my business as an Executive Recruiter, probably a full 50% of the resumes I get do not remotely qualify for the position advertised. Don't think that someone will save your resume and call you when they get your perfect job. More likely, they'll think you aren't so smart, and toss you in the round file. (If your intention is just to get your resume in their hands in case something else comes along, make that known to them.)

2.Make your accomplishments stand out on your resume!
The old format of Objective, Experience, Education doesn't work well in today's fast-paced world. Most recruiters will scan a resume for ten seconds at most-- that's how long you have to grab their attention. So skip the objective, and put a list of accomplishments at the top, right below your name and phone number! This is not the time to be modest. Think of your resume as a sales flyer, and YOU are the product you're selling!

3.Make sure your resume can get past the "robot" screeners!
Many companies today use automated screeners- computer programs that look for specific keywords from the job description. Go through the job description thoroughly, and be certain that you use the exact words they do for experience that you have, and the computer will "match" you positively.

4.Make sure your resume is polished!
No matter if it's an entry level job or an executive position, people will think poorly of you if your resume contains errors. Proper grammar and spelling are of utmost importance. Use your word processing software's grammar and spell check, and also have someone else read it over.

5.Personalize your application!
Do a little sleuthing, and find out who the hiring authority for the position is, and a little about the company and what they do. Address your email personally, and focus your email cover letter on how you fit the company's culture or vision for the future. Speak to your interest in the job and the company!

6.Do not be annoying!
There are ways to totally turn off reviewers, and everybody has different pet peeves. Mine is when someone demands I get them this job. (Last I checked, the employer is paying me to find the best available person-maybe it's not you. Now, we can discuss what my fee would be for personal representation.) Other people hate it when someone marks their email "high priority" or acts like they're too good to answer questions that are asked. Keep in mind, these people are doing their job the way their boss wants them to. So be patient.

7. Your attitude is everything!
Be sure that every single interaction you have with an employer is positive and upbeat, including emails and phone conversations. It is true that you can hear a smile in someone's voice over the phone, and people like talking with happy people. Make sure they hear your smile!

8. Tell them WIIFM!
WIIFM means what's in it for me. In other words, what can you do to make their life, and job, easier? What can you do to help the company make, or save money? Address this in your email cover letter, and again when you talk with them by phone.

9. Get their attention, in a good way!
I've seen lots of crazy ideas , (sending a pizza with your resume taped to the top, sticking a post-it on it that gives you the thumbs up) that might get the hiring manager's attention, but....maybe not the right type. But do be proactive. Ask people you know for a personal reference-send those along with your resume and cover letter. If you know people at the company, ask them to personally recommend your work. Another trick is to leave a message on voicemail during the evening, so as not to disturb them during the day. Make it your "elevator pitch" about YOU, how you can benefit the company, and how interested you are in hearing from them to discuss the job.

10. Follow up!
Do not just send your resume in and hope for the best. Follow up with the employer a few days after sending your resume. If you have their number, call them and ask if they need any further information or clarification from you, otherwise, send an email with the same request.

Follow up enthusiastically and be persistent! After all, these are two good traits most employers want.